European Union member states have given the initial “green light” for a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea, European diplomats cited by Reuters said today.

Many merchant shipping companies have diverted their ships to other routes following attacks in the Red Sea by the Houthis, who control much of Yemen and say they are acting in solidarity with the Palestinians as the war continues. between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Diplomats said the Political and Security Committee, which is responsible for foreign and defense policy, had initially approved the mission, which will be carried out in cooperation with EU partners.

The aim is to have it set up by February 19th at the latest and put into operation soon after. Many diplomats said they hoped the process would be expedited, given tensions in the region.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) declined to comment on the confidential discussions surrounding the matter.

Last month, the US said it was working with other countries to launch patrols in the Red Sea as part of a new mission, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to quell fears that unrest in one of the world’s most important trade routes could hurt the global economy.

But some of their allies, mainly European countries, expressed reservations about this plan and disagreed with the idea of ​​being placed under American administration.